Chen Ben Shabat-Levi was born and raised in Ashdod, Israel. During her teen years, she participated in a number of social action and Jewish youth activities which significantly shaped her Jewish identity. She was a member the World Zionist Organization as well as a participant in the March of the Living.

Chen served in the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) for three years, and was responsible for the welfare of the soldiers and assisting them with their social and economic problems. After her service, Chen received a Bachelor in Arts in Psychology, at Ben Gurion University, and a Masters Degree in Education Counseling at Tel-Aviv University. She also received her Teaching Certificate and interned as a High School Counselor. Her volunteer work while working on her education included working in a homeless shelter for adults with mental illness, and serving as a mentor in a program with “at risk” children.

Six years ago, Chen arrived to Florida and decided to stay after meeting her husband. Together they share two beautiful children, Liad and Mai. She continued her studies here and has received an Associates degree in Science. Chen has been part of the Temple Solel family for a year, and she is happy to share her experiences with our youth department.